U.S. patent number 8,555,801 [Application Number 13/101,684] was granted by the patent office on 2013-10-15 for watercraft helm support structure and deck.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Rick Adamczyk, Etienne Girard, Joey Larouche, Christian Lepine, Philippe Petit, Pierre Rondeau, Christopher Rudwal, Richard Simard, Sam Spade. Invention is credited to Rick Adamczyk, Etienne Girard, Joey Larouche, Christian Lepine, Philippe Petit, Pierre Rondeau, Christopher Rudwal, Richard Simard, Sam Spade.
United States Patent |
8,555,801 |
Rudwal , et al. |
October 15, 2013 |
Watercraft helm support structure and deck
Abstract
A watercraft has a hull and a deck disposed above the hull. A
helm assembly disposed above the deck has a steering column and a
handlebar. A pedestal is disposed on the deck at least in part
rearwardly of the handlebar. A support structure bears the helm
assembly. The support structure surrounds at least in part the
steering column. The support structure has at least one rear
connection portion connected to the pedestal. The support structure
has at least one front connection arm connected to at least one of
the deck and the hull forwardly from the at least one rear
connection portion. A watercraft with a deck having at least two
portions is also presented.
Inventors: |
Rudwal; Christopher (Outremont,
CA), Lepine; Christian (Bromont, CA),
Petit; Philippe (Orford, CA), Larouche; Joey
(Mont-Saint-Hilaire, CA), Spade; Sam (Palm Bay,
FL), Rondeau; Pierre (St-Denis-de-Brompton, CA),
Simard; Richard (St-Charles-de Drummond, CA), Girard;
Etienne (Orford, CA), Adamczyk; Rick (St-Cloud,
FL) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rudwal; Christopher
Lepine; Christian
Petit; Philippe
Larouche; Joey
Spade; Sam
Rondeau; Pierre
Simard; Richard
Girard; Etienne
Adamczyk; Rick |
Outremont
Bromont
Orford
Mont-Saint-Hilaire
Palm Bay
St-Denis-de-Brompton
St-Charles-de Drummond
Orford
St-Cloud |
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
FL
N/A
N/A
N/A
FL |
CA
CA
CA
CA
US
CA
CA
CA
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Bombardier Recreational Products
Inc. (Valcourt, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
49321352 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/101,684 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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61437712 |
Jan 31, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
114/343;
114/364 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63H
25/02 (20130101); B63H 2025/024 (20130101); B63B
34/10 (20200201) |
Current International
Class: |
B63B
17/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;114/144R,343,352,363,364 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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8801587 |
|
Mar 1988 |
|
WO |
|
9400339 |
|
Jan 1994 |
|
WO |
|
Primary Examiner: Venne; Daniel
Attorney, Agent or Firm: BCF LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/437,712, filed Jan. 31, 2011, and entitled
"Watercraft Helm Support Structure and Deck", the entirety of which
is incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A watercraft comprising: a hull; a deck disposed above the hull;
a helm assembly disposed above the deck, the helm assembly having:
a steering column; and a handlebar connected to the steering
column; a pedestal disposed on the deck at least in part rearwardly
of the handlebar; a straddle seat disposed on the pedestal; and a
support structure bearing the helm assembly, the support structure
surrounding at least partially the steering column, the support
structure having at least one rear connection portion connected to
the pedestal, the support structure having at least one front
connection arm connected to at least one of the deck and the hull
forwardly from the at least one rear connection portion, the
support structure and at least one of the deck and the pedestal
defining an aperture extending transversally through the
watercraft.
2. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the support structure
includes a first portion and a second portion; the first portion
includes the at least one rear connection portion; the first
portion surrounds the steering column; the second portion includes
the at least one front connection arm; and the first portion is
connected to the second portion.
3. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the support structure is
disposed generally forward of the pedestal.
4. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the at least one front
connection arm connects to the at least one of the deck and the
hull forwardly of the handlebar.
5. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the at least one front
connection arm extends forwardly from the at least one rear
connection portion.
6. The watercraft of claim 4, wherein the at least one rear
connection portion extends rearwardly from at least one of the
handlebar and the steering column, and the at least one front
connection arm extends forwardly from at least one of the handlebar
and the steering column.
7. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the at least one front
connection arm includes a left connecting arm and a right
connecting arm.
8. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the support structure is
removably connected to the pedestal and to the at least one of the
deck and the hull.
9. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the support structure
includes at least one ventilation hose fluidly connected to an
engine compartment of the watercraft.
10. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the deck includes at least
two deck portions connected to each other, each of the at least two
deck portions includes at least a portion of a side of the deck in
contact with the hull, and each of the at least two deck portions
rest on the hull.
11. A watercraft comprising: a hull; a deck disposed above the
hull; a helm assembly disposed above the deck, the helm assembly
having: a steering column; and a handlebar connected to the
steering column; a pedestal disposed on the deck at least in part
rearwardly of the handlebar; a straddle seat disposed on the
pedestal; and a support structure bearing the helm assembly, the
support structure surrounding at least partially the steering
column, the support structure having at least one rear connection
portion connected to the pedestal, the support structure having at
least one front connection arm connected to at least one of the
deck and the hull forwardly from the at least one rear connection
portion, the support structure including at least one ventilation
hose fluidly connected to an engine compartment of the watercraft.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to structures for supporting helm
assemblies of watercraft and decks of watercraft.
BACKGROUND
Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a watercraft 10 is made of a hull 4
and a deck 3. The hull 4 and deck 3 are joined together at a seam
(not shown) generally covered with a bumper 11. The deck 3 is
integrally formed of a sprayed fiberglass. The hull 4 and the deck
3 form a volume which accommodates an engine 12 (shown
schematically). A central portion of the deck 3 forms a pedestal
21. A centrally positioned straddle-type seat 20 is positioned on
top of the pedestal 21 to accommodate a rider (and possibly a
passenger) in a straddling position. When the driver is seated on
the seat 20, the driver may use a front portion 23 of the pedestal
21 to secure his/her knees against it.
The watercraft 10 has a pair of generally upwardly extending walls
located on either side of the watercraft 10 known as gunwales or
gunnels 56. A reboarding platform 32 is provided at a rear 90 of
the watercraft 10 on the deck 3 to allow the rider or a passenger
to easily reboard the watercraft 10 from the water. The watercraft
10 is provided with a hood 58 (shown spaced from the watercraft 10
in FIG. 1A) located at a front 92 of the watercraft 10. The hood 58
provides an access to a large storage compartment 25. In some cases
the storage compartment 25 is omitted.
A helm assembly 46 is provided forwardly of the straddle seat 20.
The helm assembly 46 comprises a steering column 22 and a handlebar
24 (left and right steering handles). The helm assembly 46 has a
central helm portion 72, which is padded. One of the steering
handles 24 is provided with a throttle operator 50, which allows
the rider to control the engine 12, and therefore the speed of the
watercraft 10. The other of the steering handles 24 is provided
with a lever 51 used by the driver to control a jet propulsion
system (not shown). A display area or cluster (not shown) is
usually located forwardly of the helm assembly 46. The central helm
portion 72 also contains various buttons (not shown), which could
alternatively be in the form of levers or switches, that allow the
rider to modify the display data or mode (speed, engine rpm, time .
. . ) on the display cluster. The helm assembly 46 may include more
elements than the ones recited above.
A front portion 60 of the deck 3 supports the helm assembly 46. The
front portion 60 is shaped to support the weight of the helm
assembly 46 and of the driver leaning on it, as well as to define a
top of the large storage compartment 25. The front portion 60
extends and tapers forward to a bow 64 of the watercraft 10. The
helm assembly 46 is secured to the front portion 60 of the deck 3
at a rear of the front portion 60 by a fixation assembly 62. The
fixation assembly 62 surrounds the steering column 22.
The deck 3 is a unitary piece constructed to be sturdy enough to
sustain the greatest local load. Hence the deck is thick and heavy
even at places where it does not need to be. Additionally, the
large front portion 60 in the current watercraft 10 induces
unnecessary weight of the watercraft 10, which for some watercraft
limits the driving capabilities of the watercraft.
Therefore, there is a need for a deck and watercraft components
that could be adapted to the reparation of loads on the
watercraft.
SUMMARY
It is an object to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences
present in the prior art.
It is also an object to provide a structure supporting the helm
assembly that would be lighter. The structure is compact and can be
connected to the deck or the hull. Because of its compactness, a
front of the watercraft is being freed up compared to the prior art
and the overall weight of the watercraft is decreased.
It is another object to provide a deck made of at least two
portions connected to each other. A rear portion of a deck
typically does not sustain the same forces than a middle portion of
the deck. For example, the reboarding platform is used only at
times for reboarding a user, while the middle portion supports the
pedestal and the helm assembly at all times. However, the prior art
decks are formed of a single piece. The deck provided herein is
made of at least two portions, so that each portion can, if
desired, be made of different material or materials with different
characteristics. As a result, the deck may be constructed to be
lighter than in the prior art.
In one aspect, a watercraft is provided. The watercraft comprises a
hull, and a deck disposed above the hull. A helm assembly is
disposed above the deck. The helm assembly has a steering column,
and a handlebar connected to the steering column. A pedestal is
disposed on the deck at least in part rearwardly of the handlebar.
A straddle seat is disposed on the pedestal. A support structure is
bearing the helm assembly. The support structure surrounds at least
partially the steering column. The support structure has at least
one rear connection portion connected to the pedestal. The support
structure has at least one front connection arm connected to at
least one of the deck and the hull forwardly from the at least one
rear connection portion.
In an additional aspect, the support structure includes a first
portion and a second portion. The first portion includes the at
least one rear connection portion. The first portion surrounds the
steering column. The second includes the at least one front
connection arm. The first portion is connected to the second
portion.
In a further aspect, the support structure is disposed generally
forward of the pedestal.
In an additional aspect, the at least one front connection arm
connects to the at least one of the deck and the hull forwardly of
the handlebar.
In a further aspect, the at least one front connection arm extends
forwardly from the at least one rear connection portion.
In an additional aspect, the at least one rear connection portion
extends rearwardly from at least one of the handlebar and the
steering column, and the at least one front connection arm extends
forwardly from at least one of the handlebar and the steering
column.
In a further aspect, the at least one front connection arm includes
a left connecting arm and a right connecting arm.
In an additional aspect, the support structure is removably
connected to the pedestal and to the at least one of the deck and
the hull.
In a further aspect, the support structure and at least one of the
deck and the pedestal define an aperture extending transversally
through the watercraft.
In an additional aspect, the support structure includes at least
one ventilation hose fluidly connected to an engine compartment of
the watercraft.
In a further aspect, the deck includes at least two deck portions
connected to each other. Each of the at least two deck portions
includes at least a portion of a side of the deck in contact with
the hull, and each of the at least two deck portions rest on the
hull.
In another aspect, a watercraft is provided. The watercraft
comprises a hull, and a deck disposed above the hull. The deck has
at least three sides in contact with the hull. A helm assembly is
disposed above the deck. The helm assembly has a steering column,
and a handlebar connected to the steering column. A pedestal is
disposed on the deck at least in part rearwardly of the handlebar.
A straddle seat is disposed on the pedestal. The deck includes at
least two deck portions connected to each other. Each of the at
least two deck portions includes at least a portion of at least one
of the at least three sides of the deck. Each of the at least two
deck portions rests on the hull.
In an additional aspect, connections between the at least two deck
portions are located along raised portions of the deck.
In a further aspect, the at least two deck portions have different
structural resistances.
In an additional aspect, each the at least two deck portions
includes at least a portion of two sides of the at least three
sides of the deck.
In a further aspect, only one of the at least two deck portions
supports the pedestal and the helm assembly.
In an additional aspect, the at least two deck portions includes a
front portion at a bow of the watercraft, and a rear portion at an
aft of the watercraft. A middle portion is disposed between the
front portion and the rear portion. Connections between the front,
middle and rear portions are disposed generally transversally along
the deck.
In a further aspect, a support structure is supported by the middle
portion. The support structure bears the helm assembly. The support
structure surrounds at least partially the steering column. The
support structure has at least one rear connection portion
connected to the pedestal. The support structure has at least one
front connection arm connected to the middle portion of the deck
forwardly from the at least one rear connection portion.
For purposes of this application, terms related to spatial
orientation such as forwardly, rearwardly, left, and right, are as
they would normally be understood by a rider or a driver of the
vehicle sitting thereon in a normal riding position.
Embodiments of the present invention each have at least one of the
above-mentioned objects and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have
all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the
present invention that have resulted from attempting to attain the
above-mentioned objects may not satisfy these objects and/or may
satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.
Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of
embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the
following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, as well as
other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to
the following description which is to be used in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, where:
FIG. 1A is a perspective view taken from a front, right side of a
prior art personal watercraft;
FIG. 1B is a right side elevation view of the prior art watercraft
of FIG. 1A with the hood removed for clarity;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view, taken from a front, right side of a
first embodiment of a personal watercraft;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view, taken from a rear, top, right side of
the personal watercraft of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view of the personal watercraft of
FIG. 2 with a helm support structure shown shaded;
FIG. 5 is a top view of the personal watercraft of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view, taken from a front, right
side of a helm support structure and a helm assembly for the
watercraft of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is an exploded right side view of the helm support structure
of FIG. 6 and of a storage compartment for the watercraft of FIG.
2;
FIG. 8 is a top view of a second embodiment of a personal
watercraft with a helm support structure shown shaded;
FIG. 9 is a top view of a third embodiment of a personal watercraft
with a helm support structure shown shaded;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view, taken from a front, right side of a
fourth embodiment of a personal watercraft; and
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view, taken from a top, right
side of a deck of the personal watercraft of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, a personal watercraft (hereinafter
called watercraft) 100 having a helm support structure 200 and a
deck 300 will be described.
The personal watercraft 100 is made of two main parts: a hull 104
and a deck 300 disposed on the hull 104. The hull 104 buoyantly
supports the watercraft 100 in the water. The deck 300 is designed
to accommodate a driver and, in some cases, one or more passengers.
The hull 104 and deck 300 are joined together at a bond line (not
shown) by fasteners. Rivets, bolts, snaps or an adhesive may also
be used to join the hull 104 to the deck 300. A bumper 110
generally covers the bond line, which helps to prevent damage to an
outer surface of the watercraft 100 when the watercraft 100 is
docked. A front 192 of the watercraft 100 includes a front bumper
113. The volume created between the hull 104 and the deck 300 is
known as the engine compartment. The engine compartment
accommodates an engine 112 (shown schematically in FIG. 4) as well
as other elements required by or desired for the watercraft 100.
The deck 300 includes three distinct portions: a front deck portion
302 at the front 192 of the watercraft 100, a rear deck portion 306
at a rear 190 of the watercraft 100, and a middle deck portion 304
between the front deck portion 302 and the rear deck portion 306.
The deck 300 is made of a thermoplastic. The deck 300 will be
described in greater detail below. The hull 104 is made of a
unitary piece of thermoplastic. The thermoplastic is a composite of
propylene and a filler that represents 30 percent in weight. It is
contemplated that the filler for the thermoplastic of the hull 104
could represent between 10 and 40 percent in weight.
The deck 300 has a pedestal 121 on top of which a straddle seat 120
is centrally positioned. The straddle seat 120 accommodates the
driver in a straddling position. The pedestal 121 is located at the
middle deck portion 304. The pedestal 121 is integrally formed with
the deck 300, and made of the same thermoplastic as the middle deck
portion 304. It is contemplated that the pedestal 121 could be
fastened to the middle deck portion 304. It is contemplated that
the pedestal 121 could be removably connected to the deck 300.
The straddle seat 120 is preferably removably attached to the
pedestal 121 by a hook and tongue assembly (not shown) at a front
of the straddle seat 120 and by a latch assembly (not shown) at the
rear of the straddle seat 120. It is contemplated that the straddle
seat 120 could be attached to the pedestal 121 by other attachment
mechanisms. It is also contemplated that the seat 120 could not be
removable. The straddle seat 120 covers an engine access opening
(not shown), defined by a top portion of the pedestal 121, which
provides access to the engine 112. A grab handle may be provided
between the pedestal 121 and the straddle seat 120 at a rear of the
straddle seat 120 to provide a handle onto which a passenger may
hold on.
The watercraft 100 has a pair of generally upwardly extending
walls, known as gunwales or gunnels 156, located on either side of
the watercraft 100. The gunnels 156 help to discourage the entry of
water in the watercraft 100, provide lateral support for the
driver's feet, and also provide buoyancy when turning the
watercraft 100. Optionally, the gunnels 156 could extend inwardly
to act as heel rests towards the rear 190 of the watercraft
100.
Located on either side of the straddle seat 120, between the
pedestal 121 and the gunnels 156, are a pair of footrests 130. The
footrests 130 are designed to accommodate the driver's feet in
various riding positions. The footrests 130 may be covered by
carpeting made of a rubber-type material to provide additional
comfort and feet traction for the rider.
A reboarding platform 132 is provided at the rear 190 of the
watercraft 100 to allow the rider or a passenger to easily reboard
the watercraft 100 from the water. Carpeting may also cover the
reboarding platform 132. A retractable ladder may be affixed to a
transom 160 to facilitate boarding the watercraft 100 from the
water onto the reboarding platform 132.
A helm assembly 146 is positioned forwardly of the straddle seat
120. The helm assembly 146 includes a steering column 122, and a
pair of steering handles (or handlebar) 124. A central helm portion
172 of the helm assembly 146 is padded. It is contemplated that the
padding could be omitted. The right steering handle of the
handlebar 124 is provided with a throttle lever 126 allowing the
rider to control the speed of the watercraft 100, and the left
steering handle of the handlebar 124 with a lever 150 to control a
position of a reverse gate (not shown). It is contemplated that the
handlebar 124 could include a steering wheel. It is contemplated
that the lever 150 and the reverse gate could be omitted. Optional
display clusters could be located on the helm assembly 146. The
helm assembly 146 is also provided with a key receiving post 147,
located near a center of the central helm portion 172. The key
receiving post 147 is adapted to receive a key attached to a
lanyard so as to allow starting of the watercraft 100. It is
contemplated that the key receiving post 147 may be placed in any
other suitable location on the watercraft 100.
Unlike in the watercraft 10 of the prior art where the helm
assembly 46 was supported directly by the deck 3 at the front
portion 60, the helm assembly 146 in the watercraft 100 is
supported by a helm support structure 200 distinct from the deck
300. As best shown when comparing FIG. 1B to FIG. 4, where the
front portion 60 and helm support structure 200 are shown in dark
shading, the helm support structure 200 is a less bulky, more
compact structure than the front portion 60 and the pedestal 121 is
shorter than the pedestal 21. The helm support structure 200 does
not define a large storage compartment in the deck 300 like the
front portion 60 does. Also, the helm support structure 200 has
only a discrete number (3) of weight bearing attachment points (or
surfaces), as opposed to the prior art front portion 60 which is
inducing a continuous weight bearing line on the rest of the deck
3. The helm support structure 200 will be described in greater
detail below.
As best seen in FIG. 4, the hull 104 is provided with a combination
of strakes 154 and chines 155. A strake 154 is a protruding portion
of the hull 104. A chine 155 is the vertex formed where two
surfaces of the hull 104 meet. It is this combination of strakes
154 and chines 155 that will give the watercraft 100 its riding and
handling characteristics.
Sponsons may be located on either sides of the hull 104 near the
transom 160. The sponsons have an arcuate undersurface, which give
the watercraft 100 both lift while in motion and improved turning
characteristics. The sponsons may be integrally formed with the
hull 104.
The watercraft 100 is propelled by a jet pump 176. It is
contemplated that other types of propulsion systems, such as
propellers, could also be used. The jet pump 176 pressurizes water
and accelerates it to create thrust. The water is first scooped
from under the hull 104 through an inlet grate (not shown). The
inlet grate prevents large rocks, weeds, and other debris from
entering the jet pump 176 since they may damage it or negatively
affect its performance. Water then flows through a water intake
ramp 188. The top portion of the water intake ramp is preferably
formed by hull 104 and the ride shoe (not shown) forms its bottom
portion. Alternatively, the intake ramp 188 may be a single piece
to which the jet pump 176 attaches. In such cases, the intake ramp
and the jet pump 176 are attached as a unit in a recess in the
bottom of hull 104. From the intake ramp 188, water then enters the
jet pump 176. The jet pump 176 is located in what is known as the
tunnel (not shown). The tunnel is opened towards the rear, and is
defined at the front, sides, and top by the hull 104, and at the
bottom by a ride plate (not shown). The ride plate is the surface
on which the watercraft 100 rides or planes. The jet pump 176 is
made of two main parts: the impeller (not shown) and the stator
(not shown). The impeller is coupled to the engine 112 by one or
more shafts 178, such as a driveshaft and an impeller shaft. The
rotation of the impeller pressurizes the water, which then moves
over the stator that is made of a plurality of fixed stator blades
(not shown). The role of the stator blades is to decrease the
rotational motion of the water so that most of the energy imparted
to the water is used for thrust, as opposed to swirling the water.
Once the water leaves the jet pump 176, it goes through the pump
nozzle (not shown). Since the pump nozzle's exit diameter is
smaller than its entrance diameter, the water is accelerated
further, thereby providing more thrust. A steering nozzle 182 is
pivotally attached to the pump nozzle through a vertical pivot
point. The steering nozzle 182 is operatively connected to the helm
assembly 146 via a push-pull cable (not shown) such that when the
helm assembly 146 is turned, the steering nozzle 182 pivots,
redirecting the water coming from the pump nozzle, so as to steer
the watercraft 100 in the desired direction. In some watercraft,
the steering nozzle 182 may be gimbaled to allow it to move around
a second horizontal pivot axis. The up and down movement of the
steering nozzle 182 provided by this additional pivot axis is known
as trim, and controls the pitch of the watercraft 100.
As previously mentioned, the watercraft 100 is provided with a
reverse gate. The reverse gate is pivotally attached to the
sidewalls of the tunnel, directly on the pump nozzle, or directly
on the steering nozzle 182. To make the watercraft 100 move in a
reverse direction, the rider pulls on the lever 150 operatively
connected to the reverse gate. The reverse gate then pivots in
front of the steering nozzle 182 and redirects the water leaving
the jet pump 176 towards the front of the watercraft 100, thereby
thrusting the watercraft 100 rearwardly. It is contemplated that
the reverse gate could be omitted.
Referring now in particular to FIGS. 6 and 7, a first embodiment of
the helm support structure 200 will be described in greater
detail.
The helm support structure 200 is a structure for supporting the
helm assembly 146 (steering column 122, handlebar 124 and
optionally display gauges, mirror, buttons and clusters). As will
be described below, the helm support structure 200 also
accommodates some internal components of the watercraft 100. The
helm support structure 200 is distinct from the pedestal 121 and
the deck 300, and is removably connected to the pedestal 121 and
the deck 300. It is contemplated that the helm support structure
200 could be integrally formed with the deck 300 and/or the
pedestal 121. In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the helm
support structure 200 is positioned forward of the pedestal 121.
However, it is contemplated that the pedestal 121 and the helm
support structure 200 could substantially overlap each other.
The helm support structure 200 has a rear connection portion 204
which connects to the pedestal 121, and a front connection portion
202 which connects to the deck 300. The front connection portion
202 and the rear connection portion 204 will be described in more
detail below. A first aperture 206 (shown in FIG. 6) located
between the front connection portion 202 and the rear connection
portion 204 receives an upper part of the steering column 122. A
second aperture 205 located vertically below receives a lower part
of the steering column 122. The steering column 122 is inserted
into the apertures 206, 205. Bearings are located at each aperture
206, 205, to allow the steering column 122 to be rotated. Flanges
(not shown) abut the steering column 122 for preventing the
steering column 122 to slide away from the apertures 206, 205.
The helm support structure 200 is a unitary piece of the same
thermoplastic as the one used for the pedestal 121 and the middle
deck portion 304. It is contemplated that the helm support
structure 200 could be made of a material different from the one of
the pedestal 121 or the deck 300. It is also contemplated that the
helm support structure 200 could be made of a material other than a
thermoplastic. For example, the helm support structure 200 could be
made of fiberglass only, or could be made of aluminum. It is also
contemplated that the helm support structure 200 could be formed of
two or more portions, and that some of these portions could be
integrally formed with the deck 300 and/or the pedestal 121. For
example, the helm support structure 200 could be made of a first
portion connected to the pedestal 121 and surrounding the steering
column 122, and of a second portion connected to the first portion
and to the hull 104 or the deck 300.
The front connection portion 202 will first be described. The front
connection portion 202 includes right and left front connection
arms 202a,b. The front connection arms 202a,b provide a more
compact design than the front portion 60 of the deck 3 that
supports the helm assembly 46 of the prior art watercraft 10. This
also allows to reduce the weight of the watercraft 100, as well as
to create openings for water to flow from sides to sides of the
watercraft 100. For example, as seen in FIG. 4, when seen from a
side, the deck 300, a front 123 of the pedestal 121 and the helm
support structure 200 define an opening 404 which goes through the
watercraft 100. It is contemplated that the front connection
portion 202 could have only one or more than two front connection
arms 202a,b. As best shown in FIG. 5, the front connection arms
202a,b are disposed forward of the rear connection portion 204 and
of the handlebar 124. It is contemplated that the front connection
arms 202a,b could be disposed at least in part rearwardly of the
handlebar 124. For example, in a second embodiment shown in FIG. 8,
a watercraft 100' has a support structure 200' with front
connection arms 202a,b' disposed forward of a rear connection
portion 204', yet a portion is disposed rearward of the handlebar
124. It is also contemplated that the front connection arms 202a,b
could extend forwardly from the steering column 122. It is also
contemplated that the front connection arms 202a,b could be
disposed sideways across the deck 300. In a third embodiment shown
in FIG. 9, a watercraft 100'' has a support structure 200'' with
front connection arms 202a,b'' disposed forward of a rear
connection portion 204'', yet extending sideways from the rear
connection portion 204''.
The front connection arms 202a,b attach to the deck 300 by bolts
(not shown) inserted into apertures 208. Rubber washers (not shown)
are disposed under flat washers at the apertures 208 between the
bolts and the front connection arms 202a,b to ensure waterproof
connection to the deck 300. It is contemplated that the front
connection portion 202 could be connected to the deck 300 by way
other than with bolts, and that waterproofing could be achieved
other than with rubber washers. For example, the front connection
portion 202 could be glued or riveted to the deck 300. It is also
contemplated that the front connection portion 202 could not be
connected waterproofly to the deck 300. It is contemplated that the
front connection arms 202a,b could each have only one or more than
two apertures to connect to the deck 300.
The front connection arms 202a,b connect to a front edge of the
middle deck portion 304 of the deck 300 at connection surfaces 209
(shown in FIG. 11). It is contemplated that the front connection
arms 202a,b could connect somewhere else on the deck 300. It is
also contemplated that the front connection arms 202a,b could
connect at a location other than on the deck 300. For example, in a
fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a watercraft 100''' has a helm
structure support 200''' with front connection arms 202a,b'''
attaching to an inside surface of the hull 104. A deck 300''' has
apertures 323''' to allow the front connection arms 202a,b''' to
reach the hull 104. The apertures 323''' are sealed so as to be
waterproof.
The front connection arms 202a,b are bent at bends 212 (shown in
FIG. 6). The bends 212 allow contact portions 203a,b of the front
connection arms 202a,b to be parallel to the middle deck portion
304 so as to provide a contact surface with the middle deck portion
304. The contact portions 203a,b connect to the middle deck portion
304 at the connection surfaces 209 (shown in FIG. 11). It is
contemplated that the front connections arms 202a,b could each have
more than one bend 212, and that the bends 212 could be omitted. It
is contemplated that the front connection portion 202 could have
only one connection arm, or could have more than two connection
arms.
The front connection arms 202a,b have reinforcement ridges 214. The
reinforcement ridges 214 allow to have a lighter construction of
the front connection arms 202a,b. It is contemplated that the
reinforcement ridges 214 could be omitted.
The front connection arms 202a,b are hollow and receive each in
their interior a ventilation hose 220 (shown schematically in FIG.
7). The ventilation hose 220 supplies the engine compartment with
ambient air and vent the engine compartment. It is contemplated
that the ventilation hoses 220 could be only partially surrounded
by the front connection arms 202a,b, or could be disposed adjacent
to the front connection arms 202a,b. It is also contemplated that
the ventilation hoses 220 could be located elsewhere on the
watercraft 100.
The rear connection portion 204 will now be described. The rear
connection portion 204 extends rearwardly from the aperture 206 to
attach to the front 123 of the pedestal 121. Sides of the rear
connection portion 204 also serve as a surface on which the user
can secure his/her knees while driving, similarly to the front
portion 23 of the pedestal 21 of the prior art watercraft 10. As
mentioned above, the pedestal 121 is shorter than the prior art
pedestal 21 due to the presence of the rear connection portion 204.
It is contemplated that the pedestal 121 could be of a same length
as the prior art pedestal 21. It is contemplated that the rear
connection portion 204 could be longer or shorter than shown in the
Figures depending on a size of the pedestal 121. It is contemplated
that the rear connection portion 204 could feature only sides or
only a top.
The rear connection portion 204 has a general U-shape congruent
with the front 123 of the pedestal 121. Only a rearward end of the
rear connection portion 204 connects to the pedestal 121. An inside
of the U-shape is hollow and is used to store electrical components
(not shown) of the watercraft 100. The electrical components
include the ones linked to the steering column 122 (e.g. steering
angle sensor, electrical harness connectors), controls of the
steering (if any) and the optional display gauges. It is
contemplated that more or less than the above could be stored in
the rear connection portion 204. A plate (not shown) removably
attached to a bottom of the U-shape of the rear connection portion
204 covers the electrical components and protects them from
exterior elements. It is contemplated that the rear connection
portion 204 could connect to the seat 120. It is also contemplated
that the rear connection portion 204 could have a shape different
than the one shown in the Figures. For example, in embodiments
where the pedestal 121 extends forwardly toward the handlebar 124,
as the prior art pedestal 21 does, the rear connection portion 204
would be reduced to a connection at the steering column 122, and
would not (or only shortly) extend rearwardly from the steering
column 122. It is contemplated that the rear connection portion 204
could not receive the electrical components. It is also
contemplated that the rear connection portion 204 could overlap
entirely with the pedestal 121.
The rear connection portion 204 has six apertures 210 (three on
each side) to receive bolts (not shown) so as to connect to the
pedestal 121. It is contemplated that the rear connection portion
204 could have more or less than six apertures to connect to the
pedestal 121. A rubber washer is disposed under a flat washer
between the bolts and the rear connection portion 204 to ensure
waterproof connection to the pedestal 121 at the apertures 210. It
is contemplated that the rear connection portion 204 could be
connected to the pedestal 121 by way other than with bolts, and
that waterproofing could be achieved other than with rubber
washers. For example, the rear connection portion 204 could be
glued or riveted to the pedestal 121. It is also contemplated that
the rear connection portion 204 could not be connected waterproofly
to the pedestal 121. A top of the rear connection portion 204
includes a small storage 218 for storing personal items, such as
keys.
The helm support structure 200 is designed to support the weight of
the helm assembly 146 (and of the driver if he/she leans on the
handlebar 124), and forces resulting from accelerations of the
watercraft 100. The front connection arms 202a,b and the rear
connection portion 204 form a tripod. The central helm portion 172
is located at the summit of the tripod. It is contemplated that the
helm support structure 200 could have a shape other than a
tripod.
As best seen in FIG. 7, the helm support structure 200 also
supports a front compartment 125, removably connected to a front of
the helm support structure 200. The front compartment 125 is
clipped to the helm support structure 200. It is contemplated that
the front compartment 125 could be attached by means other than
clips to the helm support structure 200. For example, the front
compartment 125 could be bolted to the helm support structure 200.
It is also contemplated that the front compartment 125 could be
fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the helm support
structure 200. It is also contemplated that the front compartment
125 could be omitted. The front compartment 125 surrounds a portion
of the steering column 122. It is contemplated that the front
compartment 125 could not surround the steering column 122. The
front compartment 125 is made of a same thermoplastic as the helm
support structure 200. The front compartment 125 is closed at its
bottom by a removable plate 127 which protects electrical
components of the watercraft 100 which are located in the front
compartment 125 from being damaged by the exterior. It is
contemplated that the front compartment 125 could be made of a
different material.
Referring to FIG. 11, the deck 300 will now be described in greater
detail. As mentioned earlier, the deck 300 is made of three
portions: the front deck portion 302, the rear deck portion 306,
and the middle deck portion 304 disposed between the front deck
portion 302 and the rear deck portion 306.
The front deck portion 302 extends forward of the helm support
structure 200, and bears its own weight. The middle deck portion
304 includes the footrests 130, the gunnels 156, and the pedestal
121, all integrally formed with the middle deck portion 304. When
assembled onto the watercraft 100, the middle deck portion 304
bears a weight of the seat 120, helm support structure 200, helm
assembly 146 and optionally the driver and/or a passenger. The rear
deck portion 306 extends rearward of the pedestal 121, and bears
its own weight. It is contemplated that the deck 300 could be made
of less or more than three deck portions. The deck portions 302,
304, 306 are connected to each other along generally transverse
seams 312 and 314. It is contemplated that the deck portions 302,
304, 306 could be left, right and center deck portions connected to
each other along generally longitudinal seams. It is also
contemplated that seams between deck portions could be a
combination of lateral and transverse seams. It is contemplated
that the seams could be neither transverse nor lateral. For
example, the seams could be disposed at an angle so that the deck
portions are triangles or trapezes. It is contemplated that more
than one deck portion could bear the weight of the seat 120, the
helm support structure 200, and the helm assembly 146. For example,
the left front connection arm 202b of the helm support structure
200 could be connected to a left deck portion, and the right front
connection arm 202a of the helm support structure 200 could be
connected to a right deck portion. As can be seen, the seams 312,
314 are not straight. It is contemplated that the seams 312, 314
could be straight.
The deck portions 302, 304, 306 are structural deck portions and
are connected to each other by bolts (not shown) inserted into
holes 211. It is contemplated that the deck portions 302, 304, 306
could be connected by other means than bolts. For example, the deck
portions 302, 304, 306 could be glued or riveted. The connections
along seams 312, 314 are waterproof. A rubber washer is disposed
where the bolts are located. It is contemplated that the seams 312,
314 could be waterproofed by means other than a rubber washer.
The deck 300 comprises several lowered portions 322 and raised
portions 324. The seams 312, 314 are located along the raised
portions 324. The raised portions 324 are above a predetermined
water stagnation level 83 (shown in FIG. 4) of the deck 300. The
water stagnation level 83 is a maximum level of water contained in
the gunnels 56. As best seen in FIG. 2, a front of the middle deck
portion 304 and the helm support structure 200 form a recess 406.
It is contemplated that the recess 406 could be smaller than shown
in the Figures, or could be omitted.
Each deck portion 302, 304, 306 is made of a unitary piece of
thermoplastic. It is contemplated that one or more of the deck
portions 302, 304, 306 could be constructed so as to have an
opening therein (e.g. access to the engine compartment). The
thermoplastic used is a composite of propylene and filler. The
filler is fiberglass. It is contemplated that another type of
filler could be used. The percentage of filler varies for each of
the deck portions 302, 304, 306. Because the helm support structure
200 is more compact than the front portion 60 of the prior art
watercraft 10, a front of the watercraft 100 is being freed (front
deck portion 302) compared to the prior art watercraft 10. As a
consequence, since the front deck portion 302 is not weight
bearing, it can be constructed differently than the middle deck
portion 304. Similarly, the rear deck portion 306 being not weight
bearing, it can be constructed differently than the middle deck
portion 304. The middle deck portion 304 which support most of the
weight of the watercraft 100 is thus made sturdier than the front
and rear deck portions 302, 306. The middle deck portion 304 is
made of the thermoplastic with a percentage of filler that provides
it with more structural resistance than the front and rear deck
portions 302, 306. The filler of the middle deck portion 304
represents 25 percent in weight. It is contemplated that the filler
for the thermoplastic of the middle deck portion 304 could
represent between 20 and 30 percent in weight. The filler of the
front and rear deck portions 302, 306 represents 10 percent in
weight. It is contemplated that the filler for the thermoplastic of
the front and rear deck portions 302, 306 could represent between
10 and 20 percent in weight. It is contemplated that the deck
portions 302, 304, 306 could be made each of a different material
or could be all made of the same material. It is also contemplated
that the deck portions 302, 306 could have some flexibility.
Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments
of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in
the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary
rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is
therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the
appended claims.
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